How you update QGIS depends on how you installed it: OSGeo4W or standalone MSI. Both methods are safe and preserve your projects and settings.
Update via OSGeo4W
Update QGIS installed via OSGeo4W
- 1
Re-run osgeo4w-setup.exe
Download and run the latest
osgeo4w-setup.exefrom the download page, or use the copy already on your machine. It remembers your previous settings. - 2
Choose Express Desktop Install
Click through to Express Desktop Install. OSGeo4W automatically detects installed packages and shows available updates.
- 3
Accept updates and download
The installer lists packages to be updated. Click Next to accept and start the download. Only updated packages are downloaded — unchanged packages are skipped.
- 4
Verify new version
>>> from qgis.core import Qgis; print(Qgis.QGIS_VERSION)3.40.5-Bratislava
Update standalone MSI
Update QGIS standalone MSI version
Standalone MSI versions install side-by-side by default. Download the new MSI from qgis.org/download and run it. The new version installs to a separate folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\QGIS 3.40.5). After verifying it works, uninstall the old version via Control Panel.
Patch vs major update
Patch update vs version upgrade
| Type | Example | Risk | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch update | 3.40.3 → 3.40.5 | Very low | Update freely via OSGeo4W |
| LTR upgrade | 3.34 → 3.40 | Low | Test with a sample project first |
| Major upgrade | 3.40 LTR → 3.42 Latest | Medium | Test thoroughly, check plugin compatibility |
Before updating
Pre-update checklist
- Back up important QGIS projects and custom styles
- Note your installed plugins — some may need updating after a version upgrade
- Backup your QGIS profile: copy
%APPDATA%\QGIS\QGIS3\profiles\defaultto a safe location - For major version upgrades: test with a non-critical project before updating production workflows
FAQ
Update questions
Will updating QGIS affect my projects and data?
No. QGIS updates never modify your project files (.qgs/.qgz), spatial data, or custom styles. Settings and installed plugins are preserved for patch updates. For major version upgrades, some plugins may need reinstalling.
How do I know if an update is available?
In QGIS: Help → Check QGIS Version. Or re-run osgeo4w-setup.exe — it will show if newer package versions are available. QGIS releases patch updates roughly monthly.
Can I roll back after updating?
With OSGeo4W: re-run setup, go to Advanced Install, and find the package. The version selector in OSGeo4W allows choosing a specific older version. With MSI: download the older MSI from qgis.org archives and install it.